IDIOM CONNECTION
Opportunity Idioms and a Karate Class
Introduction
1. What types of martial arts do you know?
2. Have you ever done any kind of martial arts?
Reading
Last week, I went to the local recreation center to look into the possibility of taking a karate or other martial arts class. The community center usually puts out their new recreation guide in April. There are many martial arts classes at the center so I know that I can get into one of them. Usually, I am too busy for extra activities but this year I have some extra free time. I want to seize the opportunity and do something new. Next year, I may be too busy so I must jump at the chance quickly. It is now or never. I will look through the program in detail and probably go to a Saturday morning karate class. Finally, I will have a chance to practice a martial art.
Reading Questions
Answer the following questions. The answers can easily be found in the reading above.
1. What did this person want to look into?
2. When does the recreation center put out their new program?
3. Does he think that he can get into a martial arts class?
4. Does he want to seize the opportunity to do something new?
5. Will he jump at the chance to do something new?
6. Is it now or never for him to take a class?
7. Does he plan to look through the program in detail?
Making Connections and Idiom Meanings
Some of the idioms have another meaning or are connected to another meaning. Use this information to help you choose the correct meaning for each of the following idioms:
Your score is: ___ out of 8
Multiple Choice
Your score is: ___ out of 8
Grammar Focus
Your score is: ___ out of 8
Discussion Questions
Answer the following questions using the idioms from this section:
1. Did you look into many schools before you chose your school?
2. Do you sometimes spend a lot of time looking into a good place to eat?
3. Have you ever been involved in putting out a student newspaper?
4. Did your high school put out a newspaper every month?
5. Was it easy for you to get into your school or university?
6. Is it easy to get into a good company where you live?
7. Do you try to seize every opportunity that you can?
8. Have you ever not seized an opportunity?
9. Have you ever jumped at a chance to travel overseas?
10. Do you always jump at a chance to go to a new movie?
11. Have you ever done something that was now or never?
12. Can you think of someone else who did something that was now or never?
13. Do you ever look through magazines for interesting articles to read?
14. Do you always look through the newspaper on the weekend?
15. Do you know the story of your parents' lives in detail?
16. Do you like to tell everybody your weekend plans in detail?
Role Play
Student A: You are looking into the possibility of taking a class at your local community center.
You have been looking through their new guide. You like to try new things and you want to seize the opportunity to take a new class.
Student B: You are telling your friend that he or she should not always be trying new things. It would be better to continue with something rather than always changing and doing something new.